Skydiver Felix Baumgartner dies after crashing paraglider into swimming pool
Felix Baumgartner, an Austrian skydiver and daredevil known for his record-breaking jump from the stratosphere, has passed away after a fatal paragliding crash in Italy. He was 56.
According to a report from CNN, Baumgartner's paraglider had spiraled out of control, sending him crashing into a hotel pool in the coastal town of Porto Sant’Elpidio.
The city's mayor, Massimiliano Ciarpella, later confirmed his death in a social media post.
"Our community is deeply impacted by the tragic passing of Felix Baumgartner, a worldwide figure, a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flying. It was flying over our town when a fatal illness took it away today," he said.
"Porto Sant’Elpidio is holding around his family and loved ones at this time of sorrow. On behalf of the Municipal Administration and all the citizens, I express my most sincere condolences for this irreparable loss," he added.
Per Italy’s national broadcaster RAI, authorities are now looking into the circumstances that caused the crash.
Baumgartner achieved fame when he jumped to Earth from a helium balloon from the stratosphere in 2012 and landed in New Mexico, United States. He set the world record for skydiving an estimated 39 kilometers, reaching an estimated top speed of 1,357.64 kilometers per hour or Mach 1.25.
The company behind the high-altitude skydiving project, Red Bull, paid tribute to Baumgartner on social media and lamented how they are "shocked and overwhelmed with sadness" to hear the news of his death.
"Felix was 'born to fly' and was determined to push the limits. He was also smart, professional, thorough, and meticulous, never leaving anything to chance. He was generous, giving much of his time to help and inspiring so many people," they said.
"We remember Felix as a lovely person, devoted to his family and friends, to whom we send our heartfelt sympathy. Felix, you will be deeply missed," they added.
Apart from the stratosphere jump, Baumgartner was also known for jumping from landmarks such as the Petronas Towers in Malaysia and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.